Macedonia Reaps A Successful Tobacco Harvest

Source from:  Tobacco World 02/17/2013

Macedonian tobacco production has increased by 5,000 tones to date for the 2012-2013, which will end in March. According to favorable subsidies and good purchase for tobacco are behind the production increase.

Tobacco is a very important crop for Macedonian economy since its quality. It attracts foreign capital and enhances privatizations. The country garners 80 millions euros annually for tobacco exports.

Tobacco products make up 2, 5% of the GDP in Macedonia. The tobacco industry is equal with 4% for total agricultural production and 4, 5% of the sector's employment.

Thought tobacco sales in Macedonia at end of March, 25,500 tones of tobacco has been bought, nearly 97% of total production per year was sold the previous season.

In 2011, 14,000 tones of tobacco were sold.

Approximately 25,500 tones of tobacco are purchased as an average with 3 euros for one kg. Macedonia being one of the largest tobacco producers in the region having a fruitful tobacco harvest and effective sale.

In addiction to revenue from sales, farmers receive government financial subsides of one euro for a kg. Rumen Stamenov told SETimes that farmers have no problem with tobacco sale and tobacco price.

"There are no complaints for now, but if there were, we've set up an appeal committee," Stamenov said.　Danco Mileski, president of the farmers' association, said that the farmers do, however, have some issues with the amendments to the law on tobacco, which allows stakeholders to participate in determining the price.

"The law was submitted by the ministry of agriculture, forestry and water management and the prime minister. Before the tobacco sale, a competent committee and the farmers' association will meet so all can have a say in the price," Mileski told SETimes.

Blaze Atanasoski, a tobacco producer in Prilep, told SETimes that tobacco farmers are planning to open a union.

"I and few other tobacco producers, my friends, will form an association that will be competitive with higher subsidies, which will make production materials cheaper," Atanasoski said.

"I'm satisfied because I've never sold tobacco under such a price. If it continues like this, it'll get better," Cane Mitoski, tobacco producer told SETimes.

Marjan Ristetski that beside the municipality there was not price discussion, official being satisfied with how the ministry treats tobacco producers. Enditem